Questions or Need Help Related to The Hunting Report Newsletter.Call us at 800-272-5656 or 305-253-5301

Search:

HuntingReport.com

New Botswana Firearms Import Procedures

As from June 1st, 2013, the police in Botswana require the following documentation to be submitted, together with the standard application form for a temporary import/export firearm permit:

1. Clear copy of passport

2. License of firearm as issued in country of origin/US4457

3. Proxy to give outfitter permission to apply for and act on behalf of client when submitting applications (click here for example)

4. Flight itinerary of client (commercial or charter)

Also, Maun police no longer issue these permits. Applications are sent to Gabarone's central firearms registrar, a security check is then run on the client and firearm/s and thereafter the permit is issued and sent back to the operator in Maun. This takes up to two weeks. All documentation should be submitted to your operator well ahead of that. In cases where clients are travelling through any other port of entry other than Maun and permits in this event must be couriered, please allow for an additional two weeks at least.
As before, the following rules still apply:

1. No handguns

2. No ammo re-loading equipment

3. No semi- or automatic rifles

4. No military calibers, i.e. .223, 308 etc.

5. No same two guns with the same caliber, i.e. 2 x .470's

6. Barrel serial number important, not action or stock or scope

7. No bow hunting allowed on dangerous game

8. Bows do not need permits

9. Muzzleloaders need special permission long in advance and no black powder/percussion caps may be flown in.

10. Maximum 100 rounds of ammo per rifle

11. Import tax is payable on ammo (consumables) at port of entry

12. Handling fees are charged by the airport companies for the transfer of guns onto/from aircraft at OR Tambo and Botswana airports

The hunter must be present when bringing the rifle into and taking it out of Botswana as his passport and the permits must be stamped.

Please be aware of visa and health requirements with regards to all the countries you will be travelling through/to/from to avoid delays/problems in this regard.

(Provided to The Hunting Report, by Tharia Unwin of Johan Calitz Safaris.)